|
JACKSONVILLE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP)
Easy As One campaign coordinated with Hernando County Sheriff’s Office to host
its third regional collection event today at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in
Springhill, Florida. At the event, more than 1,300 pounds of paper were shredded
and recycled by ProShred Security; more than 1,400 retail plastic bags were
collected and recycled by Wal-Mart; more than 100 used cell phones and 230
chargers were collected and donated to a good cause and more than 2,100 bottles
of unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter medicines were gathered
for safe and proper disposal.
“This event is an illustration of how easy individual actions can
collectively produce a dynamic impact on environmental and societal well being,”
said DEP Deputy Secretary Mimi Drew. “The prevention of thousands of plastic
bags, numerous expired or unwanted medications and hundreds of pounds of paper
from reaching the waste stream protects our environment; while the donation of
unwanted cell phones and chargers benefits worthy charities.”
Wastewater systems are not designed to remove many types of medications.
Residents can contaminate groundwater supply and drinking water by flushing
drugs down the toilet or pouring medications down the sink. All of the drugs
collected from today’s event will remain in the custody of the Hernando County
Sheriff’s Office until they are destroyed properly by incineration.
"Improper disposal of medicine has potential environmental, health and safety
risks," said Sheriff Richard B. Nugent of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
"This event established a simple way for residents to safely remove potentially
dangerous medicine from their homes and prevent it from contaminating our
water."
People who brought 15 or more bags for recycling received a reusable shopping
bag donated by Wal-Mart. Those who donated a cell phone or charger, recycled
paper or brought medicines for disposal received a day pass to any Florida State
Park.
For those who were unable to attend the event, many retail grocery stores
have implemented plastic bag recycling programs to make recycling easy for their
shoppers. To find a plastic bag recycling location, go to
www.abagslife.com. Visit www.Earth911.com
for information on recycling paper and many other items such as computer
monitors, toner cartridges and televisions. DEP offers information on how to
dispose of unwanted medications.
Easy As One - Ordinary actions. Extraordinary results. is an environmental
awareness campaign by DEP that highlights easy actions each one of us can take
to make sustainable practices part of our daily lives at home, at school, at
work and at play. As the lead agency in state government for environmental
management and stewardship, DEP encourages citizens to adopt green habits that
protect Florida’s air and water quality, conserve water and reduce waste. A
sustainable Florida depends on the collective efforts of citizens, groups,
businesses, industry and government.
For more information on Easy As One visit the blog,
www.dep.state.fl.us/EasyAsOne.
Follow on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/EasyAsOne. For more information on the Hernando County
Sheriff’s Office visit
www.hernandosheriff.org.
Images from today’s event are available at:
www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/events/eao.htm. |
2012 State of Florida